By David Cruz

At an evening fundraiser organized by the Bronx Democratic County Committee, Bronx legislators, lobbyists, moneymen and politicos from two outer boroughs, rallied behind the executive committee’s chairman, Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie, who announced a run for Speaker of the New York State Assembly the day before.

Sheldon Silver, the long serving Assembly Speaker, gave up the powerful post following federal corruption charges that have rocked the New York political scene.

The committee’s yearly winter powwow could have been compared to a hero’s welcome for Mr. Heastie, now considered the frontrunner in a narrowing list of contenders. Should he win, it would make him Albany’s first African-American Assembly speaker. Assembly members are expected to choose a winner by Feb. 10.

Guests stood elbow-to-elbow at Michaelangelo’s restaurant in the borough’s Little Italy, a much heavier attendance than usual, according to guests. Around the restaurant hall, phrases like “exciting times” can be  heard over chitchat and wine. Other words could also be heard describing Mr. Heastie–“even-keeled,” “consensus builder,” and “low key.”

The evening’s fervor reached a fever pitch when Mr. Heastie, characterized as a mild-mannered legislator, spoke for one minute, thanking supporters.

“Tonight is the night when everyone across the state is looking at the Bronx,” said Mr. Heastie, flanked by the Bronx delegation that included city, state and federal officials.

“In the weeks and months ahead I’ll rely on the prayers and support from everyone in my Bronx family, cause that’s what’s gotten me to where I am tonight,” said Heastie, who closed with, “Let’s just have some fun tonight.”

The evening served as a preview for the future of the Bronx Democratic County Committee, whose trajectory hinges on Mr. Heastie. It would also signal a positive political benchmark for the Bronx, shifting from a time when the borough churned out a rogue’s gallery of dirty politicians. At the event guests repeatedly chanted “the Bronx is hot.”

Support for Mr. Heastie extended beyond the Bronx. At the event, Frank Seddio, the Kings County Democratic County Committee chairman, dropped by, an indication he would persuade Brooklyn’s Assembly members to vote for Mr. Heastie.

His visit came hours after Brooklyn Assemblyman Joseph Lentol withdrew from the race for speaker. Harlem Assemblyman Keith Wright, who once vied for the seat but eventually withdrew, also dropped by. And on Thursday, interim Speaker Joseph Morelle of Rochester announced he will not seek the position, leaving Queens Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan in the running.

The Queens Democratic County Committee is reportedly leaning towards Mr. Heastie thanks to Congressman Joe Crowley, the Bronx/Queens U.S. Representative.

“It has come together,” said Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who serves as the committee’s county chair. “I believe Carl has put together the votes.”

Mr. Heastie’s rise (he needs 76 votes from Assembly members to win) would be a major victory for Bronx Democrats, who stand to benefit mightily should Mr. Heastie become the third man in the room, directly discussing budget matters with Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, a Republican.

“His character no one can question,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., standing alongside Mr. Heastie. “His ability to negotiate firmly, but fair, no one can ever doubt.”

Mr. Diaz was one of several who praised Mr. Heastie as a consensus builder, a quiet political player who’s forged relationships and quelled infighting within the party. Like Mr. Diaz, Mr. Heastie was one of several so-called Rainbow Rebels who led a push to oust the former chairman, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, in 2008.

Mr. Heastie, a trained accountant, arrived to Albany in 2000 after a stint at the New York City Comptroller’s Office. He serves th 83^rd Assembly District that covers Wakefield, Edenwald, and Baychester.

His legislative record is spotty. In his first year he sponsored four bills that did not pass. That number grew to 35 bills he sponsored during the 2011-2012 Legislative Session. Some of the bills he’s championed over the years, include:

• Providing that New York City shall require qualified manholes to contain locking devices.

• Protecting children in New York City from child abuse and maltreatment in educational settings.

• Prohibiting the use of live fish in any manner in any pedicure procedure.

• Establishing a twenty-four hour toll-free statewide hotline to report criminal or unlawful possession of a weapon.

• Banning the sale of products containing Salvia Divinorum, a powerful herb known for its hallucinogenic effects.

He was the lead sponsor of the Wage Theft Prevention Act, a bill that further penalized bosses who deprived their employees of proper wages. The bill became law in 2010. He was also the lead sponsor of a bill that allowed beer wholesalers to sell food, another that expanded New York City taxi service to the disabled and another that allowed New York City to consider the cheapest contractor for public work and purchase contracts. Throughout his career he has co-sponsored or multi-sponsored nearly 1500 bills in a show of support. A review of election records shows Mr. Heastie with a strong base, winning each of his races by major landslides.

But above all of Mr. Heastie’s accomplishments as a team player, he has consistently shown little regard to the press, barely holding news conferences aside from party endorsements or events where he’s invited the media. A person close to Mr. Heastie said the Assemblyman is “perfectly accepting to be a behind-the-scenes guy. He cares about getting results.”